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Survival Strategies to Combat Hopelessness

We all have moments of despair in our lives. It could be due to a loss that we can’t seem to get over. Our outlook on life takes a beating and we want to give up. So, what can you do to fight back against hopelessness?

Hope is all that keeps some people going sometimes. In a nutshell, it is the feeling that things will get better and the situation of your life won’t always be like it is now. When that hope turns sour, it can lead to more serious problems. People are tempted to hurt themselves or others when in a hopeless state.

Depression can result from feelings of hopelessness. If one situation can turn your life upside down, then depression can see it spinning out of control. Besides the mental aspect, depression can lead to physical pain and interrupt your life.

But, there is a brighter side. If you have teetered on the brink of hopelessness, here are a few strategies to get you going again.

* Talk to someone – It can be a friend, spouse, counselor or religious leader. The act of giving a voice to your problems can help you begin to confront and resolve them. In our minds, things can loom larger than they actually are. Speaking about them takes away the power they seem to have over us.

* Discover what you enjoy – We all have activities that we find pleasurable. It can be reading a book, going for a run, spending time with friends or even gazing at the moon. With busy schedules, it’s hard to take time for the simple joys of life. Make the time to enjoy yourself and improve your outlook.

* Seek medical attention – Sometimes we can’t handle it all alone. Maybe your outlook is steadily declining no matter what you do. A medical professional may be able to prescribe medication to treat an underlying condition. For example, if you always seem to be in despair, it could be the result of undiagnosed depression in your life. Medication can deal with the depression so you can find more constructive means to handle your problems and get back to living.

* Find time to be by yourself – Moments alone are beneficial for clearing out the cobwebs. If you like meditation or talk to God, in these moments you can reconnect and find peace. Ask your family to take up the slack around the home so that you can spend a weekend away at a spa or on a retreat to get yourself rested and focused again.

Are you feeling like things are taking a turn for the worse in your life? Have you felt hopelessness before? The above strategies can help you deal with your feelings in the early stages before it gets worse. You can find your reason for living again.